1. BY DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES, INC.
ETIQUETTE FOR COMMUNICATING WITH PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES/CLIENT RIGHTS
BY DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES, INC.

2. CLIENT RIGHTS
PEOPLE WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES HAVE THE SAME RIGHTS AS ANY OTHER CITIZEN OF THE UNITED STATES. IN ADDITON IF THEY RECEIVE SERVICES THROUGH ANY AGENCY THEY ALSO HAVE THESE RIGHTS

3. CLIENT RIGHTS THE RIGHT TO AN INDIVIDUAL PROGRAM PLAN
They have the right to a specific plan called a PCP & ISP for the services they receive or need. This plan is developed by them along with a team of people who are assisting them.

4. CLIENT RIGHTS THE RIGHT TO HUMAN DIGNITY
They have the right to be treated with respect & to be free from abuse, neglect, exploitation, humiliation, retaliation or any other mistreatment. If it is necessary to restrict this right a plan must be written so that their right is not lost forever.

5. CLIENT RIGHTS THE RIGHT TO PRIVACY & INTERACTION WITH OTHERS
They have the right to privacy when they are talking to others, to use the phone, within reason & to interact with people in the community

6. CLIENT RIGHTS THE RIGHT TO NOTIFICATION
They have access to Client/Employee Handbook & Rights Manual which govern their services & have them explained. They will receive information about their rights when they apply to any Agency for services & every year at their case conference.

7. CLIENT RIGHTS THE RIGHT TO BE FREE FROM DISCRIMINATION
They will not be discriminated against because of their race, sex, national origin or disability
Humiliation – to lower the pride of or dignity of. To mortify
Retaliation – to return like for like or evil for evil

8. CLIENT RIGHTS THE RIGHT TO FAIR & SAFE EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES
They have the right to be paid according to the law for doing work unless they are participating in skills training. They have the right to work in a safe environment

9. CLIENT RIGHTS THE RIGHT TO A CASE RECORD
They have the right to have a main record or master file which only certain people can see. They can see their file by making an appointment with their Case Manager

10. CLIENT RIGHTS THE RIGHT TO INFLUENCE POLICY
They have the right to express their opinion to the management of any Agency in order to influence how services are provided. They will not be discriminated against when advocating for their interests.

11. CLIENT RIGHTS THE RIGHT TO EQUAL JUSTICE
They have the right to receive assistance in legal processes that affect them & their rights

12. CLIENT RIGHTS THE RIGHT TO BE FREE FROM EXPLOITATION
They have the right to be protected from economic exploitation, sexual exploitation & exploitation due to their disability

13. CLIENT RIGHTS THE RIGHT TO MAKE PERSONAL CHOICES
They have the right to vote, the right to choose their friends, the right to choose their doctor for medical or dental care, the right to their own religion, the right to apply for public assistance & the right to choose their own advocate.

14. CLIENT RIGHTS THE RIGHT TO APPEAL
If they are not satisfied with a decision which affects you or their services they have the right to appeal that decision to let people know that they do not agree. There are steps to follow to appeal a decision & their Case Manager is available to help with this.

15. ETIQUETTE FOR COMMUNICATING WITH PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Outlined below is the “Etiquette for Communicating with People with Disabilities” to help you when you are communicating with persons with disabilities

16. ETIQUETTE FOR COMMUNICATING
When talking with a person with a disability speak to that person rather than through a companion or sign language interpreter
When introduced to a person with a disability it is appropriate to offer to shake hands. People with limited hand use or who wear an artificial limb can usually shake hands (Shaking hands with the left hand is an acceptable greeting)

17. ETIQUETTE FOR COMMUNICATING
When meeting a person who is visually impaired always identify yourself & others who may be with you. When conversing in a group remember to identify the person to whom you are speaking
If you offer assistance wait until the offer is accepted then listen to or ask for instructions

18. ETIQUETTE FOR COMMUNICATING
Treat adults as adults. Address people who have disabilities by their first names only when extending the same familiarity to all others. (Never patronize people who use wheelchairs by patting them on the head or shoulders.
Leaning on or hanging on to a person’s wheelchair is similar to leaning on or hanging on to a person & is generally considered annoying. The chair is part of the personal body space of the person who uses it.

19. ETIQUETTE FOR COMMUNICATING
Listen attentively when you’re talking with a person who has difficulty speaking. Be patient & wait for the person to finish rather than correcting or speaking for the person. If necessary ask short questions that require short answers, a nod, shake of the head. Never pretend to understand if your are having difficulty doing so, instead repeat what you have understood & allow the person to respond. The response will clue you in & guide your understanding.

20. ETIQUETTE FOR COMMUNICATING
When speaking with a person who uses a wheelchair or a person who uses crutches place yourself at eye level in front of the person to facilitate the conversation

21. ETIQUETTE FOR COMMUNICATING
To get the attention of a person who is deaf tap the person on the shoulder or wave your hand. Look directly at the person & speak clearly, slowly & expressively to determine if the person can read your lips. Not all people who are deaf can read lips. For those who do lip read be sensitive to their needs by placing yourself so that you face the light source & keep hands, cigarettes & food away from your mouth when speaking

22. ETIQUETTE FOR COMMUNICATING
Relax. Don’t be embarrassed if you happen to use accepted, common expressions such as “See ya later” or “Did you hear about that?” that seems to relate to a person’s disability. Don’t be afraid to ask questions when you’re unsure of what to do.

23. ETIQUETTE FOR COMMUNICATING
People with disabilities like all people are experts on themselves. They know what they like what they do not like & what they can & can not do. If you are uncertain what to do ask. Most people would rather answer a question about protocol than be in an uncomfortable situation

24. ETIQUETTE FOR COMMUNICATING
Positive Nonverbal Body Language
Convey support through posture & stance
Use supportive eye contact, expressions & gestures
Respect personal space & touch should be used with discretion
Non verbal clients can communicate

25. ETIQUETTE FOR COMMUNICATING
Appropriate Verbal Style
Use clear, concrete words
Minimize your talk & maximize their talk
Listen empathically & be nonjudgmental
Stay calm, avoid counter aggression

26. ETIQUETTE FOR COMMUNICATING
When mistakes are made apologize correct the problem learn from the mistake & move on.
Let people provide information about their disability on their own initiative. They are not responsible for educating the public by sharing their story.

27. ETIQUETTE FOR COMMUNICATING
How a client might communicate with you
Speech
Sounds or grunts
Behavior such as falling to the floor
Gestures, pulling you to location
Sign language
Picture symbols or objects

28. ETIQUETTE FOR COMMUNICATING
HOW TO COMMUNICATE:
Use slower rate of speech
Use shorter sentences that may be helpful for processing even if he/she is high functioning. Some individuals may feel insulted if you simplify too much & will ignore you or be rude

29. ETIQUETTE FOR COMMUNICATING
Watch your vocabulary & use of language he/she will be very concrete in thinking/understanding
Remember that behavior serves a purpose for the individual & that our job is to figure out that purpose
Body language